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ITU launches World Summit on theInformation Society Project prizes

Geneva, 13 October 2011
— The International Telecommunication Union has launched a series of prizes
recognizing excellence in the implementation of projects and initiatives which
further the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) goals of improving connectivity to
information and communication technologies (ICTs), particularly within
underserved communities.

The announcement comes in
response to requests from participants at WSIS Forum 2011 for a mechanism to evaluate
and reward individuals, governments, civil society, local, regional and
international agencies, research institutions and private sector companies for
the success of their efforts in implementing development-oriented strategies
that leverage the power of ICTs. The new WSIS Project Prizes are now an integral
part of the WSIS Stocktaking Process
established in 2004.

“The WSIS process is one of
the pillars of ITU’s development agenda. We are delighted to be able to publicly
recognize the excellent work being carried out by stakeholders around the world
in making ICTs the motor of social and economic progress,” said Dr Hamadoun
Touré, ITU Secretary-General.

The 18 prizes will provide
international visibility and recognition, with winners showcased at a special
event at the forthcoming WSIS Forum 2012. There will also be opportunities for the prize winners to extend their
professional networks to facilitate the creation of new partnerships and
financing opportunities. Winners will be highlighted in the 2012 edition of the
WSIS Stocktaking Report on Success Stories.

The competition is open to
all. Interested parties are invited to nominate a project by completing the
online form at www.wsis.org/stocktaking/prizes. The cut-off date for submission of project
descriptions is 20 January 2012.

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is a unique two-phase United Nations (UN) summit that was initiated in order to create an evolving multi- stakeholder platform aimed at addressing the issues raised by information and communication technologies (ICTs) through a structured and inclusive approach at the national, regional and international levels. The goal of WSIS is to achieve a common vision, desire and commitment to build a people-centric, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society where everyone can create, access, utilize and share information.